Compare 42/40 and 32/18
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 1 14/18
42/40 is smaller than 32/18
Steps for comparing fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 18 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
42/40 = 42 × 9/40 × 9 = 378/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
32/18 = 32 × 20/18 × 20 = 640/360 - Since the denominators are now the same, the fraction with the bigger numerator is the greater fraction
- 378/360 < 640/360 or 42/40 < 32/18
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